Honda had a simple brief . Create a car that is fun to drive and is a hybrid. The Honda CR-Z is exactly that and, if it is successful, it could be the perfect car for budding car lovers that like to save money.
The CR-Z is a complete redesign that is very similar to its older brother the sporty CR-X of the 80s and early nineties. Under the hood the 1.3-litre has been dropped for a more powerful 112bhp 1.5-litre that is created by Honda’s fantastic IMA hybrid system. It has immense power thanks to the electric motor’s assistance. This helps the Honda to 62mph in under 10 seconds – just, 9.9 seconds – and onto a relatively fast 124mph – figures that are some way off from being considered ‘quick’, but Honda has clearly focused on the handling and suspension aspects of the car.
BMW has a vast and strong reputation for building solid, reliable and high performance cars that are rewarding to drive and the latest 5-Series lives up to this high status of the BMW cars. The saloon comes with a large choice of engines and each offer strong engine performance while the steering, brakes and body control, all at a very high standard give it immense handling.
The ride is firm, with the standard run flat tyres, these can make the 5-Series unsettled on uneven roads. In 2006 a fuel-saving program called Efficient Dynamics was introduced to all models – but it works behind the scenes so drivers won’t notice the differences.
It’s definitely correct to say Fiat has a fantastic reputation for style appeal but unfortunately not so good one for reliability. That’s quickly changing however and the Grande Punto is a perfect example of this.
The Punto is styled in a neat way, great to drive and constructed in a solid way. It is far better long term prospect than Fiat’s of the past and comes with a brilliant and economical choice of engines including the excellent MultiJet diesel engine. The inside is tidy, simple and well laid out but doesn’t have the quality feel of some rivals hatchback cars. However it’s fantastic value for money and it’s around £1000 less than rivals E.g. the Renault Clio or Toyota Yaris.
While the UK does not have the most severe weather of many of the countries in Europe, our weather causes havoc across the country for our motorists.
Yet a recent survey by Manheim Auctions shows that we don’t prepare by keeping some of the most essential items in our cars just in case.
The survey shows that less than 5% of drivers are preparing by purchasing strong winter tyres and that only 21% have a shovel, 25% have jump leads handy and only 66% of us have warm clothing.
Considering that this year is yet again forecasted to have a less than warm winter this is a surprise to a country that sees itself as sensible and adhering to the Scout’s mantra of ‘be prepared’.
The full survey percentages can be found below:
Top-up screen wash (89%)
Carry ice scraper (80%)
Top-up anti-freeze (78%)
Carry de-icer (77%)
Check water level (66%)
Carry warm clothing (33%)
Keep jump leads in the boot (25%)
Carry a shovel (21%)
Carry a warning triangle (19%)
Carry a reflective jacket (17%)
Consumers publication Which? recommends some other essential items to keep in the car during the next few months, including an in-car mobile phone charger and a set of snow socks.
Manheim Auctions also advise drivers to adapt their driving style if the weather turns to snow or ice and to make sure that there is at least a 7 or 8 second gap between cars.
There are many advantages of buying a used car rather than buying a new car. The main advantage is the price, a used car will always be cheaper than a new car.
Owning your own car is incredibly useful for people who travel regularly. Buying a used car is one of the most popular methods for first time car buyers. Reports show that over 80% of first time car buyers choose to get themselves a used car over the more expensive option of getting a new car.
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Tagged Used Car, Used Car Newcastle, used car retailer, Used Cars, Used cars Newcastle, Used Cars Tyne and Wear, Used Ford, Used Peugeot, Used Peugeot Newcastle, Used Renault, Used Renault Car, Used Renault Cars, user car dealership newcastle
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